WO1997041028A1 - Voile en forme de parachute pour bateaux - Google Patents

Voile en forme de parachute pour bateaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997041028A1
WO1997041028A1 PCT/US1997/006657 US9706657W WO9741028A1 WO 1997041028 A1 WO1997041028 A1 WO 1997041028A1 US 9706657 W US9706657 W US 9706657W WO 9741028 A1 WO9741028 A1 WO 9741028A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sail
vessel
cable
combination
canopy
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/006657
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Norman Bedford
Original Assignee
Norman Bedford
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Norman Bedford filed Critical Norman Bedford
Priority to AU30548/97A priority Critical patent/AU3054897A/en
Publication of WO1997041028A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997041028A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
    • B63H9/069—Kite-sails for vessels
    • B63H9/071—Kite-sails for vessels for use in combination with other propulsion means, e.g. for improved fuel economy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport
    • Y02T70/50—Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to the propulsion system
    • Y02T70/5218—Less carbon-intensive fuels, e.g. natural gas, biofuels
    • Y02T70/5236—Renewable or hybrid-electric solutions

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a parachute-type sail for
  • the present invention is also directed to a boat which is adapted
  • the present invention provides such non-traditional sailing equipment.
  • a parachute-type sail that is attached to the boat with a tether and which is free to rotate relative to the boat on a substantially horizontal or near horizontal axis.
  • the parachute sail When the parachute sail is in use it is likely to be in contact with the surface of the water and roll about the horizontal or near horizontal axis.
  • the position of the parachute sail around the compass relative to the boat is controlled from the boat thereby influencing the speed and direction of travel of the boat.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the boat-parachute-type sail combination of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the parachute-type sail of the first embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines 3,3 of Figure 1
  • Figure 4 is a schematic top partial view of the second preferred embodiment of the boat-parachute-type sail combination of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a schematic top partial view of the third preferred embodiment of the boat-parachute-type sail combination of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view taken on lines 6,6 of Figure 4
  • Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment, the cross-section being analogous to the one taken on lines 6,6 of Figure 4
  • Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of
  • parachute type sail of the invention can be adapted to provide motive power to boats of virtually any size. Therefore, the size and particular type of boat which is illustrated on the drawing figures and is described in connection with the specific examples should be considered exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Moreover, because boats per se are well known in the art, the boats described in connection with the preferred embodiments are illustrated only schematically, with emphasis on the features which comprise or are associated with the present invention.
  • a parachute-type sail 30 is connected with a tether line to the boat 34.
  • the parachute type sail 30 includes a canopy 36.
  • the canopy 36 can be made from materials such as carbon fiber cloth, Dacron, other synthetic fabrics, silk and such other materials which are presently used in the state-of-the-art in parachutes and/or in the manufacture of conventional sails. However, carbon fiber cloth is presently preferred for the material of the canopy 36.
  • a swivel 38 is attached to the top center of the canopy 36, and a line or cable 40 is affixed to the swivel 38. Because the swivel 38 is of conventional construction it is shown only schematically in the drawing figures.
  • a plurality of shroud lines 42 are attached to the canopy 36 around its circumference, substantially in the manner as it is conventionally done in parachutes.
  • a ring 44 surrounds the lower periphery of the canopy 36, as is best shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
  • the ring 44 can be made from the same kind of fabric as the canopy 36, with carbon fiber cloth being presently preferred.
  • the fabric of the ring 44 is sewn or otherwise affixed in such a way so as to form a hollow interior, into which a plurality of flotation chambers 46 are incorporated by conventional means, such as sewing.
  • Each of the flotation chambers 46 comprises a hollow inflatable body, the walls being formed of rubber or synthetic material (such as polypropylene, carbon fiber, or polyvinyl chloride).
  • the flotation chambers 46 can be made from buoyant synthetic foam material.
  • the flotation chambers 46 provide a degree of rigidity to the ring 44.
  • the ring 44 is attached to the lower periphery of the canopy 36 by lines 48 which are either sewn or tied to grommets (not shown) present in the ring 44 and in the canopy 36.
  • the cable 40, shroud lines 42 and the lines 48 attaching the ring 44 to the canopy 36 are made from materials used in state-of-the-art sailing equipment or state-of-the-art parachuting equipment.
  • an air gap 50 is disposed between the canopy 36 and the ring 44.
  • the buoyancy provided by the flotation chambers 46 in the ring 44 helps the parachute-type sail 30 to stay above the surface of the water, and keeps the sail 30 from sinking when it is initially deployed or after it is collapsed and falls to the water's surface.
  • the air gap 50 helps to smoothen the air flow and make it less turbulent as it spills out of the canopy 36 and travels down the curved outer surface of the canopy 36. As a result the air gap 50 increases the effective force of the wind on the sail 30. Because the parachute-type sail 30 is likely to roll when it comes into contact with the water it is necessary to avoid a "winding up" of the line or cable 40 and of the shroud lines 42.
  • the location of the weight 56 on the line 54 effects the elevation of the parachute-type sail 30 relative to the boat 34 and water; the further removed is the weight 56 from the boat 34 the closer is the sail 30 to the water's surface.
  • the location of the weight 56 on the line 54 can be controlled in a variety of manner from the boat 34; for example the weight 56 may be manually shifted on the line 54 where it may be held in position by friction.
  • Figures 2 and 12 show the presently preferred manner of controlling the location of the weight 56 on the line 54; a pulley 58 or equivalent mechanical device is attached to the non-rotating part 52a of the swivel 52 and a line 60 is disposed through the pulley 58 connecting the weight 56 and a winch (not shown) or the like.
  • the winch (not shown) may be mounted on the side or within the interior of the boat 34. It should be apparent from the foregoing that shortening the line 60 for example by manipulating the winch (not shown) by an operator in the boat 34 moves the weight 56 away from the boat 34 and lowers the position of the sail 30 relative to the horizon. Lengthening the line 60 has the opposite effect.
  • the direction and speed of travel of a sail boat is influenced by several factors, which include the shape and dimensions of the wetted surface of the boat, the direction of the wind, position of the sail or sails and position of the boat's rudder or other steering device.
  • One of these factors which can be influenced or controlled as a novel feature of the present invention is the position of the sail 30 relative to the hull of the boat 34. This is accomplished by varying the place of attachment of the tethering line to the hull.
  • Figure 6 shows a pipe or conduit 62 of substantially circular cross-section, which is attached to the hull of the boat 34 on the exterior of the boat 34, and which extends either around substantially the entire periphery of the boat 34 as shown in Figure 4, or around part of the periphery, as shown in Figure 5.
  • a ball or carriage 64 is disposed within the conduit 62.
  • a substantially horizontally disposed slot 65 is located in the conduit 62.
  • a bar or post 66 with an elbow 68 and a ball or conical knob 70 at its end is attached to the ball 64 in the conduit 62 and protrudes from it through the slot 65.
  • the cable or line 54 which tethers the sail 30 is attached to the bar 66 below the knob 70.
  • the purpose of the knob 70 is to keep the line 54 from being pulled off the bar 66 by the force of the sail 30 or while the sail 30 is deployed or retrieved.
  • Still another cable 72 is located inside the conduit 62 and is affixed to the ball or carriage 64.
  • the cable 72 forms a continuous loop which is wound on a winch 74 which could be located in the interior of the boat 34. It follows from the foregoing that turning of the winch 74 moves the ball 64 within the conduit 62 and therefore moves the tethered sail 30 to substantially any desired location on the periphery of the boat 34.
  • Figure 5 discloses a third preferred embodiment of the invention, where each end of the cable 72 is wound on a winch 74.
  • FIG. 7 discloses a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 6 in that a conduit 76 which is disposed around the periphery on the exterior of the boat 34 is not circular, but rather rectangular in cross section.
  • a carriage 78 supported by wheels 80 is disposed within the carriage 78.
  • the carriage 78 is affixed to the bar or post 66 with an elbow 68 to which the tethering cable 54 is tied.
  • Figures 8, 9 and 10 disclose a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the tethering cable 54 is attached to a bar or arm 82 that is mounted to a mast or post 84 on the boat 34.
  • a swivel 52 that allows rolling of the sail 30 on the water without winding up the main cable 40 or the shroud lines 42, is inte ⁇ osed between the two cables 40 and 54.
  • the arm 82 is mounted to the mast 84 to pivot on a horizontal axis relative to the mast 84.
  • Two hydraulically or electrically actuable pistons 85 raise or lower, and hold the arm 82 steady in position relative to the horizon.
  • the mast 84 is mounted into the boat 34 on a bearing 86 that allows the mast 84 to pivot about a vertical axis.
  • a gear or sprocket 88 is affixed to the mast 84 and a chain 90 engages the sprockets 88.
  • the chain 90 is also engaged by an electrically driven stepping motor 92, whereby the mast 84 can be pivoted about the vertical axis in small increments. Therefore, the position of the arm 82 around the compass can be controlled by the operator of the boat 34.
  • the operator/sailor is able to adjust the elevation of the sail 30 above the water level to best suit the conditions under which the boat 34 is sailing. In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments this adjustment of elevation is accomplished by adjusting the position of the trim weight 56.
  • the fifth preferred embodiment it is accomplished by raising or lowering the arm 82.
  • the ability to rotate the arm 82 about the compass as in the fifth preferred embodiment, and the ability to adjust the position of the tether on the periphery of the boat 34 enables the operator/sailor (not shown) to balance the thrust vector acting on the boat 34 while maintaining neutral or substantially neutral rudder 92.
  • Figures 8 and 9 also show thrust boards 94 attached to the hull below the water line, which may be provided optionally on the boat of the fifth embodiment.
  • the parachute sail 30 may be collapsed, (and thereafter retrieved) by allowing substantial slack to develop on the line 54, for example by allowing the line 54 to unravel rapidly from a reel (not shown) placed on the bar 66.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Une voile en forme de parachute (30), attachée à un ouvrage flottant au moyen d'un câble d'arrimage, produit une force de traction nécessaire pour faire avancer le bateau. Au moins un tourillon (52), placé sur le câble d'arrimage entre le bateau et la voile, permet à la voile de rouler lorsque le bateau avance, la voile étant en contact avec la surface de l'eau. Le câble d'arrimage peut être relevé ou abaissé par rapport à la ligne d'horizon, ou encore déplacé en fonction du cap afin d'optimiser la position de la voile et de réduire ainsi le vecteur de renversement du bateau; cela permet également d'optimiser la balance de propulsion pour permettre au bateau d'avancer avec le gouvernail en position neutre ou sensiblement neutre.
PCT/US1997/006657 1996-04-26 1997-04-22 Voile en forme de parachute pour bateaux WO1997041028A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU30548/97A AU3054897A (en) 1996-04-26 1997-04-22 Parachute-type sail for boats

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/635,413 US5642683A (en) 1996-04-26 1996-04-26 Parachute-type sail for boats
US08/635,413 1996-04-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997041028A1 true WO1997041028A1 (fr) 1997-11-06

Family

ID=24547686

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/006657 WO1997041028A1 (fr) 1996-04-26 1997-04-22 Voile en forme de parachute pour bateaux

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5642683A (fr)
AU (1) AU3054897A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997041028A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1409339B8 (fr) * 2000-05-31 2008-08-27 Skysails GmbH & Co. Kg Bateau entraine par energie eolienne
AU2001289852A1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2002-03-13 Edwin Lundgren Control device for a steering kite on a boat
FR2822802B1 (fr) * 2001-03-29 2004-05-14 Maurice Grenier Embarcation nautique tractee par une voilure cerf-volant
US6682018B2 (en) * 2001-07-24 2004-01-27 Maya Sinclaire Releasable control yoke anchor system for kite
AU2003233775A1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-12-02 Stephan Wrage Wind-propelled watercraft
US20040200396A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Page John Splawn Drag lift sailboat
US7093803B2 (en) * 2003-12-16 2006-08-22 Culp David A Apparatus and method for aerodynamic wing
DE202004013841U1 (de) * 2004-09-06 2006-01-19 Skysails Gmbh & Co. Kg Wasserfahrzeug mit einem drachenartigen Element
DE102004018837A1 (de) * 2004-04-19 2005-11-03 Skysails Gmbh Wasserfahrzeug mit einem frei ausfliegenden drachenartigen Windangriffselement als Windantrieb
DE102004018814A1 (de) * 2004-04-19 2005-11-03 Skysails Gmbh Setzsystem für ein ausfliegendes drachenartiges Windangriffselement bei einem Wasserfahrzeug mit Windantrieb
US7866271B2 (en) * 2004-04-19 2011-01-11 Skysails Gmbh & Co. Kg Placement system for a flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a wind-powered watercraft
DE102004018838A1 (de) * 2004-04-19 2005-11-03 Skysails Gmbh Positionierungsvorrichtung für ein frei ausfliegendes drachenartiges Windangriffselement bei einem Wasserfahrzeug mit Windantrieb
DE202004013840U1 (de) * 2004-09-06 2006-01-19 Skysails Gmbh & Co. Kg Wasserfahrzeug mit einem drachenartigen Element
US8056490B2 (en) * 2004-09-06 2011-11-15 Skysails GmbH Co. KG Watercraft having a kite-like element
US7971545B2 (en) * 2004-09-06 2011-07-05 Skysails Gmbh & Co. Kg Watercraft having a kite-like element
CN1821572A (zh) * 2006-03-08 2006-08-23 冯昌荣 流体集能器
US7752987B2 (en) * 2006-04-11 2010-07-13 Nicholas Mark Wiltz Collapsible perimeter supported wind propulsion device
KR100865984B1 (ko) 2006-11-03 2008-10-29 김종철 파라글라이더로 견인하는 선박
KR101466423B1 (ko) * 2007-08-24 2014-11-28 스카이세일즈 게엠베하 앤 컴퍼니 케이지 공기역학적 풍력 추진장치 및 그 제어방법
US8201510B1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2012-06-19 Engling Charles W Collapsible sail frame for watercraft
CN101786498B (zh) * 2010-03-19 2011-12-28 清华大学 用于船舶航行的可收放的充气型风能伞帆装置
CN101844614B (zh) * 2010-05-28 2012-07-25 清华大学 用于船舶航行的可收放的远程悬浮型风能伞帆装置
US8757076B2 (en) * 2011-03-28 2014-06-24 Advanced Elements, Inc. Portable sail for paddle-type vessels
WO2013164446A1 (fr) 2012-05-03 2013-11-07 Skysails Gmbh Ensemble mât et procédé de lancement et d'atterrissage d'une aile aérodynamique
GB2508660B (en) * 2012-12-10 2014-12-24 Bruce Nicholas Martin A control arrangement for a wind powered vehicle

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1119702B (de) * 1959-03-13 1961-12-14 Hans Pohl Segelboot
FR2482553A1 (fr) * 1980-05-16 1981-11-20 Couget Jacques Voilure
GB2098952A (en) * 1982-05-20 1982-12-01 British Petroleum Co Plc Controlling a tethered sail for marine or other uses
GB2098948A (en) * 1981-05-21 1982-12-01 British Petroleum Co Plc Reefing a tethered sail for marine or other use
DE3208340A1 (de) * 1982-03-09 1983-09-15 Ernst 2301 Dobersdorf Hohnen Fluggleiter-rigg
FR2541964A1 (fr) * 1983-03-04 1984-09-07 Rivallant Pierre Dispositif pour la propulsion par le vent d'un engin marin ou terrestre
WO1986002902A1 (fr) * 1984-11-16 1986-05-22 Dominique Legaignoux Aile propulsive a armature gonflable

Family Cites Families (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3104855A (en) * 1963-09-24 barish
SU1341100A1 (ru) * 1985-04-29 1987-09-30 Государственный Проектно-Конструкторский Институт Рыбопромыслового Флота "Гипрорыбфлот" Парус дл судна

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1119702B (de) * 1959-03-13 1961-12-14 Hans Pohl Segelboot
FR2482553A1 (fr) * 1980-05-16 1981-11-20 Couget Jacques Voilure
GB2098948A (en) * 1981-05-21 1982-12-01 British Petroleum Co Plc Reefing a tethered sail for marine or other use
DE3208340A1 (de) * 1982-03-09 1983-09-15 Ernst 2301 Dobersdorf Hohnen Fluggleiter-rigg
GB2098952A (en) * 1982-05-20 1982-12-01 British Petroleum Co Plc Controlling a tethered sail for marine or other uses
FR2541964A1 (fr) * 1983-03-04 1984-09-07 Rivallant Pierre Dispositif pour la propulsion par le vent d'un engin marin ou terrestre
WO1986002902A1 (fr) * 1984-11-16 1986-05-22 Dominique Legaignoux Aile propulsive a armature gonflable

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5642683A (en) 1997-07-01
AU3054897A (en) 1997-11-19

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